About thehopebeacon
Wecome to my blog! I am a Christian wife, mother, and grandmother who wants to share my lifetime experiences with those who share the same interests and roles. I served as an educator for twenty-one years as both a classroom teacher and an Instructional Services Consultant. Most recently I chose to write children's books. This new path as an author led me to create this website. I seek to inspire, uplift, encourage, and advise those who come here who share common interests or life experiences as myself.
Mothers give so much of themselves each day. Proverbs 31 speaks of the characteristics of a virtuous woman. This is someone I strive to imitate. I feel for the women of today with all of their struggles and pressures. Because … Continue reading →
Posted in This and That
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Tagged appreciation, birthday party, divorced, giving, grandmother, honor, mother, Proverbs 31, respect, retreat, single parent, virtuous, women, work ethic
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Changes are inevitable in life. Some are welcome, but some are not. For example, the changing of the seasons for this Iowan is comforting. Though winter is not my favorite season, I enjoy the beauty of fresh fallen snow and … Continue reading →
Posted in Faith
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Tagged change, constellations, culture, foundation, morals, patterns of change, priceless, principles, sand, seasons, stability, tailspin
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In the last year, five of my dear friends departed this earth. These people contributed greatly to my growth as a Christian since moving to western Iowa six years ago. Each of these honored the Lord with their lives and … Continue reading →
Posted in Faith
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Tagged believe, body and spirit, encouragement, fellowship, friendship, gifts, God's will, grief, liver cancer, loss., opportunities, prayer, witness
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This gallery contains 19 photos.
What a great time I had during my second book signing in Mount Ayr! I met lots of new people and a sweet author, Janet Knedler, during the three-hour event. Many of Janet’s family members attended, and I felt like … Continue reading →
Records News, the Mount Ayr local newspaper, called and asked to interview me for an upcoming book signing during the yearly “Ayr Days” celebration. I enjoyed meeting the new owner of this paper, and I appreciated the time he took … Continue reading →
Posted in My Books, This and That
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Tagged 2013, article, author Mary Martsching, author photo, book signing news, Finding Heath Young Lighthouse Keeper, interview, July 20th, library, prepared questions, publishing process, The Record News, thehopebeacon.wordpress.com, writing process
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This gallery contains 12 photos.
I had lots of fun and support during my first book signing in Burlington, Iowa, where I sold and signed my first published book, Finding Heath Young Lighthouse Keeper. Attached are some photos of my friends and family who supported … Continue reading →
More Galleries
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Tagged book signings, Burlington, Burlington By the Book, encouragement, family, friends, Iowa, Mary Martsching, middle grade book, middle grade fiction, photos of family, reunion, support
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06-11-13-Mary Martsching-Finding Heath Book Signing (1) On Tuesday, June 11, 2013, I had my first radio interview about my book. It was a bit scary, but Steve Hexum, the KBUR MC, made me comfortable right away. I grew up in … Continue reading →
Posted in My Books
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Tagged Burlington, comfortable, editing, Finding Heath Young Lighthouse Keeper, interview, Iowa, KBUR, new book, radio, reading, scary, WestBow Press, writing
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This Saturday, July 20, is my second book signing! “Small town Iowa,” Mount Ayr, celebrates “Ayr Days” each year, and this year I am honored to be part of the events. Our public library is hosting two author book signings. … Continue reading →
Posted in My Books
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Tagged appraisals, author, BBQ cookoff contest, book signings, bounce house, car show, celebration, fun events, Mount Ayr, rides, tractor show
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What a joy it is to teach the Word of God! Someone asked me to teach a new study in the Bible. After praying about it, I decided to lead a study on Women of the Old Testament. We spent … Continue reading →
Posted in Faith
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Tagged Abigail, Bible, Bible Study, bonding, business ventures, children, couch potato, Esther, Eve, fellowship, gossip, groups, Hagar, husband, lessons, old testament, personal growth, prioritizing, proactive, prognosis, Rahab, relationships, respect, Ruth, sarah, Shunammite woman, strengths, weaknesses, well-being, Woman of Excellence, women
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Finding Heath Young Lighthouse Keeper. Check it out on WestBow Press, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble.
Posted in My Books
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Tagged action, adventure, Block Island, fiction, frustrated, lighthouse, lighthouse keeper, middle-grade novel, power, pressure, Readers Guide, Rhode Island, storm
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thehopebeacon 